Many times people that do meaningful work do not do it because it makes them happy, but because it gives them a sense that they are doing something that counts.

This helps us arrive at the next conclusion: motivation does not depend on happiness.

But then, what generates meaning?

Most of the time, it is the sense that you are doing something bigger than yourself, that changes more than just your own life.

Repetitive tasks and jobs are contrary to those of meaning. Us, humans, after being faced with repetitiveness, simply quit.

We cannot find the meaning anymore after doing the same task over and over again.

On the other hand, performing activities that feel the meaningful build up people’s motivation. And the key to feeling that you do something meaningful is to feel the promise of achievement.

Another thing that contributes to creating meaning is an effort.

Tasks that you put your time, energy and effort in are more meaningful for you than those you did in a short amount of time, without investing yourself in them.

Next, let us not forget the ownership of the work as a major motivator as well. In other words, when people are given a chance to claim ownership, they feel more motivated, since they are standing behind what they did.

Also, when it comes to motivation, it comes from external and internal sources.

The most central motivator of all is the wish to achieve happiness.

Unfortunately, many people have wrong notions of happiness and the things that would make them happy.